[For Seniors] Liven Up Cherry-Blossom Viewing! Fun Games and Recreational Activities

Haiku contest

[27th NHK National Haiku Contest] Selector Katsuhiro Takayanagi talks about the Ryuta Prize — Through Ryuta Iida and past winning and submitted works — [Limited-Time Release]

On pleasant spring days with nice weather, it’s great to go outside and make haiku together.

You can enjoy yourselves by selecting each other’s poems, or turn it into a vote and rank them—the ways to enjoy haiku are limitless.

Have fun with the cheerful vibe of a grown-up field trip!

Fan Beanbag Relay

Ojami Relay #Recreation #DayServiceRecreation #DayService

Let me introduce a fan-and-beanbag relay that everyone can enjoy.

Have participants sit in chairs in a single row, and use handheld fans to pass along a beanbag.

Because it’s done while seated, even people who find it difficult to stand or move their bodies can likely take part.

Since both the fan and the beanbag are light, it doesn’t require much strength.

And with fans and beanbags, there’s less risk of injury if something is dropped.

Through the relay, people will call out to one another and work together as a team.

It might even spark new interactions.

You can also make it more exciting by forming two lines and holding a head-to-head relay competition.

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Nakajima Junko

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Table hockey

[Mini-Game] Fired-up 🔥🏑 Table Hockey 🏑 #shorts #dayservice #recreation #seniors #minigame #hockey #rehabilitation #caregiving #carefacility #Yamanashi #Kofu

Introducing table hockey, a game that’s a blast whether you’re playing with a small group or a larger one.

Since you play seated, anyone can join in.

Cover the table so the ball won’t fall off anywhere except from the two ends.

Make strikers out of cardboard, place the ball in the center of the table, and you’re ready to go! Play to five points—the winner is the one who sends the ball off the opponent’s end of the table.

It’s fun while also helping to build arm strength, reaction speed, and decision-making, so it can be used as an occupational therapy activity as well.

Give it a try!

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kojifumi

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Billiards Challenge

[Mini-Game] An Exciting 🎱 Billiards Challenge 🎱 #shorts #dayservice #recreation #seniors #minigame #billiards #rehabilitation #caregiving #carefacility #Yamanashi #Kofu

Here’s a billiards challenge that lets you train your hands and arms while having fun.

Attach paper cups to the edge of a table and put up a scoring chart with values like 10 points or 30 points.

Place the balls at the designated spot on the opposite side, and use a stick-made cue to strike the balls and aim for high scores.

Adding bonuses—such as doubling the points for balls of a specific color—makes it even more exciting.

It can be done standing or seated, so anyone can join and enjoy.

It’s also recommended as a recreational activity for senior care facilities.

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kojifumi

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Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors

A guaranteed hit at senior recreation and care facilities! Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors #SeniorRecreation #RockPaperScissors #Easy #Fun

It’s sure to be an exciting match! Try the Newspaper Janken challenge! Have two older adults sit facing each other.

Place a long, narrow strip of newspaper on the table, then play rock-paper-scissors.

The winner tries to grab the newspaper, while the loser must hold it down so it can’t be taken.

By the way, if the newspaper tears, you lose.

It’s a brain-engaging activity where you play janken, instantly recognize the outcome, and act immediately.

Recreations that use both mind and body stimulate the brain and can help prevent dementia.

Enjoy a fun time laughing together with other participants.

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moko

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Newspaper Dart

Today's activity: Newspaper Darts

Let me introduce Newspaper Darts.

Cut holes—circles, triangles, squares, etc.—into a large cardboard box and assign points to each.

To prevent the edges of the holes from tearing, it’s a good idea to reinforce them with vinyl tape or similar.

Roll up sheets of newspaper tightly to make long, thin sticks.

This recreation uses those newspaper sticks as darts! Compete by totaling the points of the holes you throw them into.

It’ll be exciting as a team competition, too! It’s a game that involves raising your arm and concentrating to aim for the holes—perfect as a recreation activity in senior care facilities.

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moko

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ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)

[Day Service] Ball-Toss Battle!

Tamaire, the beanbag toss often played at school sports days, is a real crowd-pleaser.

Try adjusting it so that older adults can enjoy it too.

Have the participants sit on chairs and form a circle with a basket placed in the center.

They’ll aim for the basket and toss in beanbags or balls.

Splitting into two teams for a head-to-head match will make it even more exciting.

You can also enjoy a variation where several baskets are placed on a table and players throw balls into them—great for solo play as well.

If you attach papers with point values to the baskets, it adds a fun, game-like element.